Hidden Gem in Kentucky: Rabbit Hash General Store

Since 1831 this working general store has been doing business as usual, untouched by time or fate, in the heart of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky—a little river town whose fortunes have literally risen and fallen with the waters of the Ohio. (In fact, the town’s very name is said to have originated during a flood when the abundant local rabbit population became a culinary staple.)

Over the years the store has survived many changing tides—including complete submersion during a flood in 1937 that crested at an incredible 79.9 feet. Though the store remained anchored securely to the ground, thanks to a series of iron rods running throughout the entire structure, mud continues to linger in its attic crawl space.

Rabbit Hash General Store boasts an expansive front porch and a large painted sign welcoming visitors. To meet the needs of local residents, it still sells groceries and other necessities.

Many of its eclectic wares, however, cater to tourists. It stocks an ample selection of antiques, collectible potteries, hand-woven towels and brooms, handmade soaps, wooden kitchen utensils, and the required souvenir hats, shirts, and postcards. While visitors won’t find any “rabbit hash” simmering on a stove, the store also serves up lots of old-fashioned goodies, including homemade jams and cream pull candy.

Rabbit Hash also features a local history museum and small shops specializing in local Appalachian crafts and quilts.